Water ski device



y 28, 1953 w H. HANSON 3,090,978

WATER SKI DEVICE Filed Sept. 7, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR l0 2 4 8 WILL AM HANSOA/ I2 BY ATTORNEY;

May 28, 1963 w. H. HANSON WATER sx: DEVICE 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Sept. '7, 1962 INVENTOR \AJILII-HWM NBA/50A] ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,090,978 WATER SKI DEVICE William H. Hanson, 1704 Spaatz Drive, Rantonl, Ill. Filed Sept. 7, 1962, Ser. No. 221371 12 Claims. (Cl. 9310) This invention relates to devices for improving the performance of water skis, and more particularly to devices which may be attached to conventional Water skis for improving the performance thereof whereby the skis may carry heavier loads and be towed =by boats having engines of relatively small power.

Briefly, the invention comprises a device that is attached to the rear of any conventional water ski and includes a pair of retractable Wings or hydrofoils that are normally locked in overlapping relationship directly above the rear portion of the ski to which they are attached. The wings may be pivoted outwardly and locked in outwardly extending operative position for improving the performance of the ski, particularly at low speeds and when starting from a standstill. When a skier starts from a standstill, a boat having considerable power is required to pull the skier to planing position, particularly if the skier is of considerable weight and is using a slalom ski. Consequently, many boats having engines of small horse power, such as 35 hp. or less are often unable to pull a skier from a standstill to a planing position. However, when the retractable wings of my invention are mounted on the ski and locked in operative extended position, much less power is required to pull the ski with the skier thereon from a standstill to a planing position. Consequently, many boats having relatively small powered engines that were formerly unsuitable for towing water skis, may now be used for towing skiers using water skis employing my invention.

Consequently, it is a primary object of this invention to provide a device for use on water skis which permits the skis to be towed by boats having engines of relatively small power.

It is another object of the invention to provide a device having retractable and extensible wings for improving the performance of water skis and including means for locking the wings either in extended or retracted position.

It is another object of m invention to provide a device for stabilizing a ski about its roll axis.

It is another object of the invention to provide a device for improving the lift-speed ratio of any conventional water ski.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a device including retractable wings for improving the lift characteristics of a ski whereby the wings of the device are automatically retracted and locked in retracted position merely by pressure applied to a trigger mechanism of the device by one heel of the skier.

It is another object of the invention to provide a ski device composed of materials which are rustproof, resistant to salt water corrosion, and is lightweight, is economical to manufacture, and is durable in use.

These, together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refere to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating my invention in operative position and mounted on the rear end of a conventional slalom water ski;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view similar to FIG 1, but showing the wings in retracted position;

ice

FIG. 3 is a plan view on an enlarged scale with portions of the cover broken away;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view taken substantially on the plane of line 44 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 3 but showing the wings in extended position;

FIG. 6 is a vertical cross sectional view taken substantially on the plane of line 66 in FIG. 5.

With continuing reference to the drawings wherein like reference numerals indicate identical parts throughout the various figures, it can be seen that I have installed my invention comprising a hydrodynamic lifting device it) on the upper rear surface of a conventional slalom water ski 12.

The ski 12 includes a conventional rigid frame member 14 of streamline shape and having means mounted on its upper surface for releasably attaching the skiers feet to the ski. The attaching means include flexible and preferably elastic members 16 and 18 for enclosing the forward portions of the front and rear feet of the skier respectively. A conventional heel enclosure 20 also composed of flexible material is mounted directly behind the member 16 for enclosing the heel of his forward foot. The heel enclosure is adjustably connected to the frame 14 by means of a slide mounting plate 22 and adjustable studs 24 extended through slots in the plate 22.

My lifting device 10 includes a flat base plate 2.6 of generally rectangular configuration having rounded corners and sides substantially parallel to the sides of the ski. The base plate 26 is provided with a pair of bores symmetrically located on opposite sides of the plate and having the lower ends of a pair of journal sleeves 28 extending therethrough. The sleeves 28 are securely welded to the base plate by means of welds 3% The center of the base plate is also provided with a bore rearwardly of the sleeves 28 which receives the lower end of an anchoring sleeve 32 also welded to the base plate. Each of the sleeves 28 and 32 have a threaded cylindrical passage therethrough.

Pivotally mounted on each of the sleeves 28 is a wing or hydrofoil 34 or 36 of substantially identical construction and design. Each hydrofoil or Wing comprises an outer lift portion 38 of a generally trapezoidal configuration and having straight edges converging in an outward direction. Each lift portion of each wing is connected to a generally semi-circular mounting portion 40 by means of a neck 42. However, as is clearly illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the neck 42 for the wing 34 also includes an offset outer portion 44 whereby the lift portion 38 of the wing 34 is sli htly elevated above the lift portion for the wing 36. This permits the wing 34 to be pivoted in overlapping relationship to the wing 36 as illustrated in FIG. 3. It is to be noted that when the wings are retracted the edges thereof are parallel to each other and substantially parallel to the adjacent sides of the ski body 14.

The mounting portion 40 of each wing includes a tubular journal 46 integrally formed therewith and concentric ab out the same axis as the outer edge of the semiacircular mounting portion. Each tubular journal 46 is rotatably mounted on one of the sleeves 28.

An anchoring washer 48 telescopically receives the upper end of the anchoring sleeve 32 and is securely welded thereto. Washer 48 has a pair of bores 50 formed at opposite sides thereof which receive hooks secured to a pair of coil tension springs 52. Each mounting portion 40 is provided with a spring anchoring stud 54 which extends through a loop formed on one end of one of the springs 52. Thus, the springs 52 are always in tension between the washer 48 and studs 54 thereby urging the wings 34 and 36 to the retracted position illustrated in FIG. 3.

- 3 A stop comprising an upwardly extending pin 56 is mounted'on the upper surface of each edge of the base plate directly forwardly of each wing. A pair of channel member 58 of u shaped cross section are. mounted on the upper surface of the base plate 26 directly adjacent the longitudinal center thereof.- A T-shaped sear 60 extends through the hollow interior of each channel member 58 and is pivotally connected thereto by means of a stud 62 extending vertically, through the channel member and sear. spective channel member and the central portion of the stud rotatably journals one of the sears 60'. A nut may be threaded on the upper end of each stud.

Each sear 6t) includes an operating arm 64, a locking arm 66, and a mounting arm 68 arranged in a T pattern and integrally joined together at adjacent ends. A pin 70 is secured to one of the locking arms 66 and slidably projects through abore in the opposite locking, arm. A compression spring 72 encircles the pin 70 and is compressed between adjacent locking arms 66 so as to urge them apart. One end of a leaf spring 72' is rigidly secured toeach of the mounting arms 68 so as to project laterally therefrom. A portion of the forward vertical wall of each of the channel members 58 is cut away so as to permit free pivotal movement of each of the sears 60 about their respective pivot pins 62.

As illustrated in FIG. each of the mounting portions 40 has a substantially semi-circular edge 74 concentric about its respective journal sleeve 28; Each semi-circular edge 74 terminates in a locking notch 76 having a generally radially extending surface engageable with an end of one of the locking arms 66. A generally U- shaped recess 78 is formed radially inwardly of the notch 76.

Each of the semi-circular edges 74 is also provided with a second locking notch 80 having a radially extending surface 82 adapted to engage the end of one of the springs 72' and an inclined cam surface 84.

A generally flat cover plate 86 extends over the above described mechanisms and is supported on the upper ends of the sleeves 28 and 32. Three screws 88 extend through three bores in the cover plate 86 and are threaded into the threaded passages within the sleeves 28 and 32 so as to maintain the cover plate in its proper position. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the sides of the cover plate are deflected downwardly so as to form side flanges 90 and the forward portion of the cover plate is inclined downwardly to form a flange 92.

A substantially flat trapezoidal heel plate 94 is pivotally connected to a hinge leaf 96 by means of a pivot pin 98. As shown in FIG. 4 the hinge leaf 96 is secured by conventional means such as spot welding to the forward endv of the base plate 26 thereby pivotal-1y connecting the heel plate to the base plate. The upper surface of the heel plate is preferably covered by some material 100 such as rubber having a high coefficient of friction. A cam member 162 is secured to the underside of the heel plate. The cam member 102 has parallel side edges and a tapered end so as to provide converging cam surfaces 104. The corners of the heel plate 94 may be deflected inwardly as shown at 106 so as to more effectively cover the forward portion of the lifting device. A conventional chain 114 is connected between heel plate 94 and base plate26 tolirnit upward movement of the heel plate 94 to the point which just ensures the disengagement of converging cam surfaces 104 with operating arms 64 of each sear 60. Essentially this is the position indicated in perspective view FIG. 1. Positions depicted for heel plate 94 with respect to base plate 26 in FIGS. 5 and ;6 have the heel plate 4 rotated excessively upward :for the obvious purpose of'permitting clearer graphic description.

The lifting device is secured to the frame 14 of the ski by means of screws 168 extending through bores The lower end of each stud is secured to its re-' 4 additionally securing the base plate to the frame 14 as illustrated in FIG. 4.

In operation, the heel plate 94 is pivoted away from the frame 14 so that the cam surfaces 104 do not extend between the operating arms 64. The wings 34 and 36 are then pivoted manually outwardly to the position illustrated in FIG. 5. As the wings are pivoted outwardly, the outer ends of the locking arms 66 slide over the arcuate surfacesr74 until they eventually snap into the locking recess 76 due to the urging of the spring 72.

Once the arms 66 move into the recesses 76, the wings are effectively locked by the locking arms in operative position. The skier then mounts the ski 12 as illustrated in FIG. 1 with his rear heel elevated above the plate 9'4. In order to start, the skier is normally immersed in the. water in a crouched position with the majority of the ski 12 below the water and inclined upwardly at a relatively steep angle with the forward portion of the ski projecting out of, the water. When the towing boat applies its power, the ski is pulled forwardly through the water and due'to -the inclination of the ski, it rises to the surface. However, since the wings 34 and 36 are extended and also inclined at a relatively high angle of incidence, the forward motion of these win-gs through the water creates a great deal of lift thereby rapidly lifting the rear portion of the ski to the surface. The additional lift afiorded by the wings 34 and 36 permits the ski and skier to be lifted to the surface of the water with much less power and consequently much less tension on the tow rope. This means that'a boat having relatively small power may be used and also that the strain on the skier is substantially reduced. Also since the wings 34 and 36 extend laterally, the stability of the ski is substantially increased about its roll axis thereby making it much easier for the skier to maintain his balance during the critical starting operation. 7

Once the ski and skier have been elevated to the surface of the water and reached planing speed, the skier then presses down his rear heel on the heel plate 94 thereby forcing the inclined cam surfaces 164 between the operating arms 64 so as to cause them to spread apart and pivot on the pins 62. Of course, as the arms '64 move apart, the attached locking arms 66 move together so as to compress the spring 72 and move out of the locking recesses 76. As soon as the locking arms have moved out of the locking recesses the tension springs 52 cause the Wings to pivot into retracted position as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. It is also to be noted that when the locking arms 66 move out of the recesses 76, the free ends of the springs 72' move into the path of travel of the arcuate surface 74. Therefore, when the wings become fully retracted, the ends of the leaf springs 72' which have been sliding over the arcuate surfaces 74 snap into the secondary locking recesses and abut the radial surfaces 82' so as to positively lock the wings in retracted position for obvious safety reasons. When the operator presses downwardly on the heel plate, the parallel side surfaces of the cam 102 eventually move between the operating arms '64 whereby the cam is held by the arms in this position.

It is also to be noted that when the wings are extended to operative position, the leading edges thereof contact the stop cams 56 thereby limiting forward movement of the wings. Also, when the wings are retracted, the pins 56 extend into and contact the surfaces of the notches 78 thereby limiting inward movement of the wings and ensuring that they stop in perfectly aligned relationship.

Although my ski device has been disclosed as being attached to a conventional ski, it is to be understood that the device could be manufactured with the ski as an integral part thereof.

The entire lifting device 19 is highly compact and all exposed surfaces and edges of the device are smooth or rounded for obvious safety reasons.

It is to be noted that when the heel plate 9'4 is lifted away from the base plate 26, that the cam 1%2 is moved from between the arms 64 whereby the spring '72 urges the arms 66 apart and moves the outer ends of the leaf springs 72' out of the secondary notches so as to permit the wings to be manually extended to operative position.

Inasmuch as various changes may be made in the form, location and relative arrangement of the several parts without departing fromthe essential characteristics of the invention, it will be understood that the invention is not to be limited except by the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A device for a ski including a. base for attachment to the ski, a pair of hydrofoils, means movably mounting the hydrofoils on the base whereby the hydrofoils may be selectively moved to an extended position or to a retracted position, said hydrofoils in the extended position projecting a substantial distance on opposite sides of said base and said hydrofoils in the retracted position substantially overlying one another.

2. A device as defined in claim 1 including first holding means for holding said hydrofoils in the extended position and second holding means for holding said hydrofoils in the retracted position.

3. A device as defined in claim 2, wherein the means movably mounting the hydrofoils includes a pair of pivot members each pivotally connecting one end of each hydrofoil to said base.

4. A device as defined in claim 3 including spring means connected to said hydrofoils and urging them to retracted position.

5. A device as defined in claim 4, wherein the pivoted end of each hydrofoil includes an arcuate edge having an axis extending substantially through the center of its respective pivot member, said first and second holding means including a pair of stop surfaces intersecting each arcuate edge, detent means movably mounted on said base adapted to selectively engage one of the stop surfaces of each hydrofoil.

6. A device as defined in claim 5 including spring means urging said detent means in one direction and manually operative means on said base for urging said detent means in an opposite direction whereby the detent means may be selectively engaged with one of said stop surfaces on each hydrofoil.

7. In combination, a water ski, foot attachment means on the upper central surface of the ski, a hydrodynamic lifting device, said hydrodynamic lifting device including wing means, means movably mounting the wings on the rear end of the ski whereby the wing means may be moved to an extended position projecting laterally on each side of the ski and a retracted position so that the wings are located between the sides of the ski.

8. The combination of claim 7 wherein said lifting device includes operating means connected to said wing means so as to selectively move said wing means to said extended and retracted positions.

9. The combination of claim 7, wherein said ski is a slalom ski and said foot attachment means includes means for securing both feet of a skier to said ski.

10. The combination of claim 8, wherein said wing means includes two separate wings and the means movably mounting the wings includes pivot means pivotally connecting adjacent ends of the wings to said ski.

II. The combination of claim 10, wherein said operating means include spring means urging said wings to the retracted position, first lock means for locking said wings in extended position and manual means for releasing said first lock means.

12. The combination of claim 11 including second lock means for locking said wings in retracted position.

No references cited. 

1. A DEVICE FOR A SKI INCLUDING A BASE FOR ATTACHMENT TO THE SKI, A PAIR OF HYDROFOILS, MEANS MOVABLY MOUNTING THE HYDROFOILS ON THE BASE WHEREBY THE HYDROFOILS MAY BE SELECTIVELY MOVED TO AN EXTENDED POSITION OR TO A RETRACTED POSITION, SAID HYDROFOILS IN THE EXTENDED POSITION PROJECTING A SUBSTANTIAL DISTANCE ON OPPOSITE SIDES OF SAID 